Hazeltine National Golf Club, a private facility in Chaska, Minnesota has announced the appointment of PGA of America Golf Professional Thomas Barksdale as the new general manager.
The appointment follows a comprehensive national search with ExecuSearch, powered by the PGA of America, a premium executive placement service for the golf industry, assisting with the search and placement. In his new role, Barksdale is responsible for all aspects of club operations, including member experience, team member development, maintenance, merchandising, capital planning and leadership across all departments, while also cultivating internal and external relationships to ensure Hazeltine’s ongoing prominence as a host for Major Championships and destination for golf enthusiasts.
Steeped with history and tradition, Hazeltine National Golf Club is one of the country’s premier sites for championship golf, having recently hosted the 2026 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship after also hosting the Championship in 2019. Additionally, the club hosted the 2016 Ryder Cup Matches and will become the first club in the United States to host the Ryder Cup for a second time when the preeminent team event in golf returns to Hazeltine in 2029.
“Selecting the next general manager was one of the most important responsibilities entrusted to the Board,” said Club President Dan Johnson. “Thomas distinguished himself throughout the process with his genuine leadership style, commitment to member service, and thoughtful vision for the future. He understands the importance of honoring Hazeltine’s championship heritage while continuing to elevate the member experience, and we are confident he is the right leader to guide the club into its next chapter.”
Barksdale brings a meticulous leadership style and a wealth of experience to Hazeltine National, having served in key management positions at prominent clubs and resorts. Most recently, he served as general manager at Prairie Dunes in Kansas for the past three years, and prior to that he was general manager at Hidden Creek in New Jersey, and Director of Golf at Talisker Golf Club in Utah.
“I am truly honored to join Hazeltine National Golf Club and become part of a place with such an extraordinary history and reputation,” said Barksdale. “My career has been shaped by a deep respect for the game of golf, a passion for service, and a belief that the finest clubs are defined by the people, experiences, and relationships they cultivate every day.
“Hazeltine represents the very best of those values, and I look forward to working alongside the Board of Governors, team, and membership to preserve the Club’s remarkable heritage while continuing to create exceptional experiences for generations to come.”
A 2010 graduate of St Mary’s College of California, Barksdale has been a Class A PGA Member since 2011. In 2025 he was recognized as the Midwest Section PGA Professional Development (Flint Hills Chapter) and in 2021 he was honored as the Utah Section PGA Merchandiser of the Year — Private Facility.
ExecuSearch, powered by the PGA of America, is a service that enables clubs and businesses to identify and place top candidates in key executive leadership positions, while utilizing the expertise of the PGA of America’s Career Services Department to align their business for success. PGA Career Services offers a toolbox of invaluable resources to meet the hiring requirements demanded by employers today, while better serving employers, PGA Members and individuals seeking to gain employment within the golf industry.